Carrying the Fire of Resistance – A Journey with Dr. Akua Benjamin

What does it mean to carry the 'fire' of resistance and how does it shape our paths? Today, we welcome the extraordinary Dr. Akua Benjamin, a luminary in the world of social work and a relentless activist. She mesmerizes us with the compelling narrative of her family's history of resistance, which has been the backbone of her remarkable journey. The inspiring story of her mother's act of defiance — throwing a burning bundle of coal into a colonial man's cane field — is a testament to courage and resilience, which has stirred Dr. Benjamin to continually challenge norms and champion change.

Dr. Benjamin enlightens us about the long-standing struggles faced by black individuals within the education system. We delve into her tireless effort to spark institutional change within these structures, and spotlight the critical work done by organizations like the Organization of Parents of Black Children (OPPC) and Wondering Spirit Survival School in countering these challenges. We also delve into the historical role of resistance as a survival tool for black people in Canada, painting a vivid picture of their indomitable spirit.

Finally, we traverse the significant landmarks of Dr. Benjamin’s activism journey. Dreams, she mentions, have been instrumental in shaping her path, and we explore her insights on systemic issues in education and social work. We discuss the collective effort and community support required to drive away racism, emphasizing the value of tackling social work from a systemic perspective. Our conversation culminates in a discussion on potential collaborations, stepping stones to future discussions, and the ways to connect with Dr. Benjamin. Join us on Speak Up Exclamation Point International as we traverse this enriching dialogue and ignite collective action.

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